George Furbank has endured a historic run of bad luck, missing 20 consecutive England Tests during the prime of his career. The 30-year-old full-back recently admitted that the sheer volume of misfortune has led to humorous suggestions from peers, including the need to consult a “witch doctor.” This streak of absences stands out even in rugby’s history, marking a period where Furbank was sidelined not by a single catastrophic event, but by a relentless sequence of setbacks that kept him from the international stage.
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The timeline of Furbank’s injury woes began with a broken arm in December 2024, followed by a concussion and a persistent calf issue that refused to heal. The frustration peaked in July when he was named in the starting XV for England’s match against South Africa, only to be rushed to the hospital for an emergency appendix removal. Instead of competing at Ellis Park, Furbank spent matchday in a Johannesburg hospital, highlighting the bizarre and cruel nature of his recent career trajectory.
Despite the grim circumstances, Furbank maintains a level-headed perspective on his “cosmic misalignment.” When asked if he believes in luck, the England star paused contemplatively rather than expressing outright frustration. His resilience in the face of such a wretched run underscores his professional demeanor, even as he navigates the physical and mental challenges of returning to full fitness after two years of significant disruption.
Source: The Independent Sport
